Dibrugarh, May 25: The tragic death of a resident of Arunachal Pradesh’s Tirap district in Andhra Pradesh has triggered grief and concern, while also raising serious questions over the response and coordination of authorities in the southern state.
Kamlo Mophuk (51), son of the late Wangkop Mophuk and a resident of Lazu village in Tirap district, had boarded a train from Tinsukia on May 16 to travel to Bengaluru, where his daughters are employed.
According to family members, Mophuk was allegedly attacked and brutally assaulted by unidentified persons during the journey. Fearing for his safety, he reportedly got down at Ongole Railway Station in Prakasam district of Andhra Pradesh on May 18 and sought help from the Railway Police.
However, the family alleged that no prompt assistance or effective response was provided to him. He later approached a local police station as well, but reportedly received little cooperation.
On the evening of May 18, Mophuk contacted his daughter, Ngona Mophuk, and informed her that some unknown persons were allegedly following him and that he was frightened. He also mentioned that his mobile phone battery was running low. Later that night, around 11 pm, he spoke to his wife.
His final conversation with his daughter reportedly took place the next morning around 8 am, after which his phone became unreachable.
Alarmed by the sudden loss of contact, his daughters in Bengaluru searched for him from May 19 to May 24. Family members alleged that they initially faced negligence and a lack of urgency from the concerned authorities while seeking assistance.
It was only after the intervention of Arunachal Pradesh Minister Wangki Lowang, who personally contacted the concerned authorities, that police and forest officials intensified the search operation.
Sources said Mophuk’s body was eventually recovered near a cemetery after investigators traced his mobile phone location. Shockingly, although the body was reportedly found on May 21, the information was allegedly conveyed to the family only on May 23, deepening the anguish of the bereaved family and drawing criticism over the handling of the case.
Family members and well-wishers expressed grief and disappointment, saying that had the authorities acted with greater sensitivity and urgency from the beginning, the tragedy might possibly have been prevented.
The incident has left people in Tirap district mourning the untimely death of Kamlo Mophuk, with many demanding a fair inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the case and the alleged lapses by the authorities concerned.
Tony Mophuk, on behalf of the bereaved family, expressed heartfelt gratitude to Minister Wangki Lowang for his prompt intervention and timely support. He also thanked Khonsa MLA Wanglam Sawin for extending financial assistance to the family during the difficult period.
